Mission and Priorities
Our Mission
To advocate for the optimal health and wellbeing of all youth in Louisiana and those who care for them through education, collaboration, and support.
Our Purpose
The purpose of this organization is to advocate for youth and families, address educational needs of pediatric health care providers, parents and communities, and promote evidence-based public health policy.
Our Vision
We envision a Louisiana where every child reaches their full potential through access to the highest quality healthcare. We strive for a future where all children receive equitable, evidence-based medical care tailored to their unique needs and where the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics serves as a trusted resource for parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
Our Goals
- Improve the health and wellbeing of youth and families in Louisiana
- Remain a trusted source of pediatric healthcare expertise for professionals and policymakers in Louisiana
- Support and help create public health policy which addresses the needs of youth and families
- Build coalitions with organizations and community stakeholders who represent the interest of Louisiana’s children
- Promote the interests of the Louisiana AAP members
- Increase the involvement of members in local and statewide advocacy
- Provide quality educational opportunities for ongoing professional development
Chapter Leadership
- President – Joseph Bocchini, Jr., MD, FAAP | Shreveport
- Vice President – Kim Mukerjee, MD, FAAP | New Orleans
- Secretary/ Treasurer – Katie Queen, MD, FAAP, DABOM | Covington
- Early Career Physician – Megan Louque, MD, FAAP | Baton Rouge
- At-Large Member – Joseph Ortenberg, MD | New Orleans
- At-Large Member – Tina Simpson, MD, FAAP | New Orleans
- Immediate Past President – Rachel Chatters, MD, FAAP | Lake Charles
Chapter Staff
- Natashia Cheatham, MHSA, ACHE, Executive Director (exec@laaap.org)
- Julia Vanchiere, Education Coordinator (cme@laaap.org)
- Shannon Martrain, Executive Assistant (admin@laaap.org)
Our Commitments
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – Our organization thrives on recognizing, embracing and integrating difference and diversity of identity, experience and thought and actively strives for inclusion of ALL people regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status and other elements of identity. We pledge to advance social justice for the children and families of our state by increasing awareness and understanding of differences and by committing to create a nurturing environment founded on equity, inclusion, respect, and empowerment.
The Louisiana AAP Chapter shares the principles of the American Academy of Pediatrics on diversity and inclusion. As we embrace the health, safety and well-being of all children and families, we acknowledge, accept and celebrate individual, family and community differences. We strive towards health equity for all children in our state and aim to foster a membership that addresses the unique needs of Louisiana’s children. We affirm our commitment to inclusion that opposes discrimination, racism and bias and promotes diversity and equity through policy, advocacy and education. Adopted by the Louisiana AAP Board of Directors on 5/26/2022
Purpose of Committees
LA AAP depends on the active participation of its members to accomplish the Chapter’s objectives. One of the most important areas of service is through membership on committees. By carefully recruiting volunteers with interests in each committee’s mandate, LA AAP can leverage its human resources to achieve the best results.